Bethlehem Seeks Farmers for 2026 Farmland Leases | The Locally Times
The Town of Bethlehem accepted applications for 2026 agricultural use leases and hay harvesting licenses in Glenmont and Selkirk until March 13.
The Town of Bethlehem accepted applications for 2026 farmland agricultural use leases and seasonal hay harvesting licenses until 3:00 PM on Friday, March 13, 2026. The town offered these opportunities for farmland located in both Glenmont and Selkirk, according to a March 13 posting on the Town of Bethlehem website. The initiative included both agricultural use lease agreements and seasonal hay harvesting licenses, providing options for farmers seeking land access. The town's public records do not specify the number of applications received by the deadline. The records also do not detail the terms, duration, or specific land parcels involved in these agreements. Information regarding the criteria for selecting successful applicants, the financial arrangements such as lease rates, or a timeline for announcing decisions is not publicly available. The total acreage of farmland offered through these programs in Glenmont and Selkirk also remains undisclosed in the available records. ## Program Transparency The Town of Bethlehem's posting does not provide details on how this program aligns with the town's broader land use planning, agricultural preservation goals, or local food system initiatives. The identities of the farmers who applied or will be awarded these leases are not provided in the public records. Residents and the agricultural community await further information regarding the outcome of the application process and the specific details of the 2026 farmland agreements.